Founder / Representative
Karen Julia Waters
Connecting Australia and Japan, we provide English-language and international education that empowers children to step into the world as global citizens.
An Australian national, Karen draws on her childhood in Japan and her education in Australia to connect the two countries through culture, education, and business.
After graduating from St. Michaels College, she returned to Japan independently and graduated from Ritsumeikan University. Back in Australia, she worked as an interpreter and translator in the international division of a major company.
Karen returned to Japan for the third time in 1998. Alongside her work as an English teacher, interpreter, and translator, she participated in international exchange and volunteer initiatives. She founded OFFICE KAREN in 2000 and GLOBAL WATERS in 2013, incorporating the business in 2017.
Today, through English-school management, study-abroad and educational tours, international learning, interpretation and translation, university teaching, and public speaking, she develops people who can thrive on the world stage.
We will introduce the activities we have been involved in for over 30 years in the fields of education/international youth exchange, social contribution, lectures, awards, affiliation/position, and media.
Responsible for interpreting for Hirakata City officials visiting the Logan City Council in Australia, and is involved in practical work that forms the basis of Japan-Australia exchange activities.
While working as an English instructor and interpreter/translator, he actively participates in private international exchange projects and volunteer activities.
In order to create a place for Japanese children to develop an international mindset, we have begun learning not only English but also cross-cultural understanding and social service.
Registered as a translator/interpreter with Hirakata City’s Cultural International Foundation and continues to support musical exchange with our sister city, Logan City.
Involved in music exchange performances with Logan City, in charge of interpretation and coordination to support cultural exchange.
Lecture on “Australian Culture” at the International Understanding Learning Exchange Meeting in Katano City, Osaka Prefecture.
Involved in exchange activities with the Logan Youth Music Exchange Group, continuing international exchange through music.
Participated in the Swedish GSE doctoral team’s visit to the Hirakata and Katano areas as an accompanying interpreter.
In charge of interpreting to support youth exchange at the music exchange performance with Logan City.
Involved in a music festival for the purpose of international exchange, and also in charge of volunteer guidance for the Hirakata visiting group of Chisholm College in Logan City.
Providing adult class students with opportunities to interact and experience interpretation, we develop activities that connect learning to practice.
35 people stayed in Logan City for 10 days, holding a homestay and music exchange concert.
At the request of Logan City, I was in charge of interpreting and coordinating the tri-country music festival of Japan, Korea, and Australia.
Activities published in business magazine published by Kokusai Information Management Company.
Supporting performances and cultural exchange parties in conjunction with the Logan Youth Music Exchange Group’s visit to Japan. Also involved in hosting homestays for the four youngest participants.
His activities were introduced and he was recognized as a “living national treasure next door.”
Together with the children in the classroom, we will support foster children in Tanzania and create opportunities to learn about their differences from children around the world through letters and crafts.
Blackboard donation activity started in Mongolia’s Chingeltei district. He is also involved in fundraising activities for the Great East Japan Earthquake.
We conducted street fundraising activities for typhoon disaster relief in the central Philippines and also participated in the environmental activity “Green Forest Project.”
Activities related to education and international exchange will be introduced on a TV program.
Published in the information magazine published by Keihanshin L Magazine.
Inspired by the Japan-Australia Skype exchange in 2013, 15 people conducted a 10-day exchange visit as Global Waters English School. We also receive interviews from local newspapers.
Starts a Christmas charity campaign that continues to provide support for landslides in the Asaminami area of Hiroshima Prefecture, as well as street fundraising and consolation activities in disaster-stricken areas.
Appeared as a panelist. Also held an English lecture at the Neyagawa International Women’s Club.
Continues to be involved in Japan-Australia exchanges and educational exchanges in a position that promotes international exchanges in the region.
Responsible for interpreting for administrative inspection related to friendly exchanges with Logan City, supporting the practice of mutual understanding.
As a 5-week overseas internship, students are sent to various workplaces such as editorial companies, pet grooming shops, cafes, and elementary school teacher assistants.
Activities related to education and international exchange will be introduced on a TV program.
Published in media published by the Osaka Human Rights Awareness Consultation Center, a project commissioned by the Ministry of Justice.
Appeared as a panelist at Brideminded Japan. He will also be involved in a dialogue session between Hirakata students and Mayor Logan.
We carry out 5 weeks of language training/internship and send students to work in real estate, education, hotels, bridal, etc.
Involved in dispatching university students to overseas training and internships and supporting practical international education.
Held lectures on international understanding and global education for the local community.
Activities will be introduced on TV programs to spread awareness in the region.
Expanding the scope of activities that support youth’s international understanding and participation in international conferences.
Logan Youth Music Exchange Group’s Japan tour was held in Yokohama, Kyoto, and Hirakata. Conducted exchanges that led to school visits and newspaper coverage.
Speaking at a forum related to international understanding, scholarship, and exchange, and sharing his work experience.
Expands his activities into the field of international leadership education.
Coordinated overseas training/internships at Kansai University of Foreign Studies, Japan Casino Gakuin, Tokyo University of Science International Center, etc.
With the support of the Consulate General of Japan in Brisbane, a music exchange tour including a Hirakata-Logan joint concert was held.
Received a letter of appreciation from Logan City for contributions to music exchange activities. Started activities as a representative of The Logan Club, a friendship city youth exchange group officially recognized by Logan City.
As part of Rotary World’s koala conservation activities, a donation drive has begun through the sale of handmade postcards.
Active as a Goodwill Ambassador from July 2020 to the end of June 2023. Communicating the value of international exchange and scholarship projects.
Involved in the English education area of university open courses, supporting the learning of English and science.
Received a letter of appreciation from the mayor of Naha for fundraising for reconstruction and conducting a cookie sales project.
An online session to learn about Logan City was held for Kansai University of Foreign Studies. Opportunities for international exchange continue even during the coronavirus pandemic.
He will participate as a torchbearer and will be featured on NHK and other programs related to torchbearers.
Continues international social service activities such as koala protection in collaboration with Rotary activities in Australia.
Involved in the Kyoto Peace Conference at Kyoto University, an online international conference was held with 60 people from 6 countries including the University of Turin.
Learning about international understanding online by connecting with Guinea, Russia, India, and 6 other countries.
Conducted donation support activities by producing and selling T-shirts. He is also involved in the Hirakata foster parent support system “Ohisama” and Hirasol support.
Speaking at a forum on international education and disseminating information about practical English education and global education.
Online internship for Kansai University of Foreign Studies and English x Science course at Tokyo University of Science Open College.
Became director of “Mirai Corporation” and involved in activities to support children in Ukraine.
In charge of coordinating the Jake Murdoch Japan Tour as an international exchange related to Logan.
Received a letter of appreciation from the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Scholarship Association for his contribution to Goodwill Ambassador activities.
Accepted as a guarantor for war refugees in Ukraine and provided support in their daily lives.
We were recognized for our continued contribution to local English education by providing a quasi-venue for the English Proficiency Test.
Please feel free to contact us for lecture requests, interviews, trial applications, and consultations.
